Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I have to dial 9-1-1? Can’t I just call the fire station direct and save time?The 9-1-1 emergency system is designed to save valuable time when seconds count. 9-1-1- is the universal emergency number that you can use 24 hours a day for police, fire or emergency medical services. Fire stations are not properly equipped to take emergency calls and calling the station directly actually wastes response time. Also we are an all volunteer fire company therefore the fire station is not staffed 24 hours a day 7 days a week so there may be no one there to answer your call.

What if I am not sure if there is a fire in my home, like an odor but no fire visible, or a spark in an appliance?Do not be embarrassed to call for your Fire Department’s assistance. Our firefighters are your friends and neighbors and we are here to serve. Call 9-1-1 and we will send out a limited number of resources to help you investigate. It is better to play it safe.

Will the Fire Department respond if my carbon monoxide detector activates?Yes, but you must call 9-1-1. The Fire Department will respond to test the air for carbon monoxide.

Why do so many fire apparatus have to respond?Our goal is to respond to your emergency as quickly and effectively as possible. Fire Department units are dispatched based on a pre-determined criteria and according to information receive by the 9-1-1 call taker. A fire in your home requires more resources than something like a remote leaf pile at the curb.

I called 9-1-1 for a medical emergency and fire apparatus came to my home.Fire Department vehicles are fully equipped with first-aid and basic emergency medical response supplies, including defibrillators. Some of our firefighters are N.J. Certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Emergency Responders, just like the personnel riding the ambulance, trained to handle medical calls. Our ultimate goal is to provide you with appropriate level of care that you need.

Is it okay to burn leaves, grass or trash in my yard?NO. It is a violation of the New Jersey Uniform Forest Fire Law.

I locked myself out of my house. Will the Fire Department assist me to gain entry?As a “service orientated” Fire Department, we will attempt to assist you in gaining access if you are locked out. Some new doors and locks sometimes make it harder for us to gain access to make entry without doing damage to a door or window. We will do our best to assist you.

My basement is flooded. Can the Fire Department assist me?When causing a hazard to electric & HVAC equipment, the Fire Department does assist residents and businesses when local flooding occurs to mitigate those hazards at your property. However, there are times when we may not be able to fully assist you or get all the water out. Use caution in water around electricity, your heater and hot water heater.

A member of my family is disabled. What does he/she do during a fire?Assure that you have a well-defined escape plan. Make sure that people who are confined to a wheelchair have immediate access to their wheelchair when an emergency occurs. Your address can be flagged in our Communications Center’s computers to advise responding agencies of any special needs. You can email your information to the following email address info@goodwillfire.com to be contacted by a fire company official to have your address flagged.

How do I go about drawing up an escape plan for my home/business?The four basic steps to draw up an escape plan for your home include: 1. Draw a floor-plan of your home; 2. Agree on a meeting place; 4. Practice your escape plan; and 4 make your exit drill realistic.

Do I need to put a smoke detector in every room? How many do I need?Smoke Detectors should be placed outside of each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Current laws also require a smoke detector in each sleeping area. On floors without bedrooms, detectors should be installed in or near living areas such as dens, living rooms, or family rooms.

I am a senior citizen. Can I receive a free smoke detector?Yes. Contact the Fire Prevention Division at info@goodwillfire.com. They will assist you with any smoke detector questions. You can also learn more about this program in the fire prevention section of our website.

How can I receive a copy of a fire incident report for my insurance company?Have your insurance company email the following address info@goodwillfire.com, or mail the request to Good Will Fire Company, 200 Hanover Street, Pemberton, New Jersey 08068. We will work with your insurance carrier to obtain the proper report.

I just moved into my home and my insurance company needs to know the distance to the nearest fire hydrant.Please email your information to the following email address info@goodwillfire.comto be contacted by a fire company official who will work with you to obtain the necessary information.

Who do I call about a fire extinguisher that is broken or needs to be recharged?Check the YELLOW PAGES under Fire Extinguishers for an authorized service contractor. The Good Will Fire Company cannot fix or collect fire extinguishers.

Does the Good Will Fire Company participate in telephone solicitations?No. However the Good Will Fire Company does participate in an annual Fund Drive mailing. Your donation is tax deductible.

I saw Good Will Fire Company Units responding outside of Pemberton. Why were they doing that?The Good Will Fire Company provides “Mutual Aid” response to our neighboring communities when they need our assistance. Some of these communities return the favor, by responding into Pemberton to assist us.

Does the Fire Company fill swimming Pools?No. There are certain laws and liabilities associated with water usage by the fire department that prohibit the fire department from filling swimming pools.

Good Will Fire Company of Pemberton NJ200 Hanover Street, Pemberton, New Jersey 08068